Catholic bishops conference of india
The controversy has increased after the arrest of 3 people including 2 Catholic nuns on charges of trying to make human trafficking and forced conversion in Durg district of Chhattisgarh. Many political parties have demanded his release, meanwhile, the Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) has criticized the arrest of 2 nuns of Kerala and expressed deep pain and concern over the environment and atmosphere of violence spread towards minority communities.
Archbishop Anil Joseph Thomas Couto warned at a press conference held in Delhi that the disintegration of the constitutional state and the contradiction of independent institutions of democracy is so serious that it cannot be ignored now. The Archbishop read the statement issued by the CBCI, saying, “The Catholic Bishops Conference of India expresses its deep pain and concern over the growing hatred against minority communities in the country and the atmosphere of violence.” According to media reports, both these nuns have been arrested after complaints of human trafficking and forced conversion.
Minorities feel insecure
He said, “Amidst the worrying apathy of those who take over the responsibility of implementing communal elements in the country and the implementation of laws and maintaining constitutional values, people of the minority community feel unsecured by suffering fear and suffering. In view of these serious developments, CBCI is calling on this.”
The Archbishop also mentioned the statement of Gopichand Padalkar, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA in Maharashtra, allegedly stated on his behalf that he would give cash prizes to whatever he would be beating for conversion in the villages. The MLA had said, “Whoever will beat him first will get a reward of Rs 5 lakh, the second will beat the second and the third will get three lakh rupees.” It was said to give up to Rs 11 lakh. “
CBCI said that such a statement demands immediate and decisive legal intervention, it is very inflammatory. It was broadcast everywhere through video footage and media outlets. It is an example of abetment of religiously inspired violence, which is a serious offense under Section 152 of the Code of Justice of India (BNS), 2023. The law provides for punishment for life imprisonment for such crimes.
FIR has not been recorded till now
Archbishop Anil Joseph Thomas Cuto also said that an FIR was not lodged against the MLA, while on the contrary, quick legal action is often seen against students, activists and opposition leaders for less serious expressions like social media posts or peaceful disagreements. Describing the incident of nun’s arrest in Chhattisgarh, he said that those people were allegedly arrested at the behest of communal elements.
When asked, will the CBCI demand a ban on the Bajrang Dal, then he said, “Whatever organization is involved in these anti-national activities, we do not leave it. But we do not sit quietly and say that they are allowed to allow it. If necessary, we can demand that they be banned. We are not afraid to say this.”
The CBCI said that on July 25, another disturbing incident took place at the arrest of 2 Catholic women at Durg railway station, it was allegedly done at the behest of communal elements. He was arrested for going with 3 girls traveling with him. While these girls were over 18 years of age and they also got the consent of their parents. They were also reportedly attacked. On receiving information about the incident, when the parents of the women reached the police station, the police stopped them from meeting their daughters illegally.
The CBCI said that we appeal to the Government of India and all political parties to come forward and take appropriate constitutional steps to save the country and their people.
